18th IAAF World Half Marathon Championships - Birmingham 2009

Birmingham

Regional Attractions

05 Jul 2009

The West Midlands region has plenty to offer and a short drive in any direction from Birmingham city centre can lead to historic towns and beautiful countryside. Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare, is not far away nor is the town of Warwick, home to Britain’s largest and best preserved mediaeval castle. The cathedral cities of Gloucester, Worcester and Tewkesbury are all close by and the picturesque villages of the Cotswolds are well worth a visit.

The Black Country living museum near Dudley gives an insight into life in the region in the 19th century while thrill seekers can enjoy the many rides and roller coasters at Alton Towers in Staffordshire. Further afield the beautiful Malvern Hills are a tranquil getaway while the Peak District is ideal for ramblers and cyclists alike.

Shropshire boasts the World Heritage site of Ironbridge, the first bridge of its type in the world and birthplace to the Industrial Revolution. Shropshire also has strong sporting links with the Olympic festival staged in Much Wenlock – acknowledged to have been among the inspirations for Baron Pierre de Coubertin’s vision for resurrecting the Olympic Games in 1896.

Anyone looking for some art and culture can visit two of the region’s latest art galleries – the New Art Gallery in Walsall and The Public in West Bromwich both of which showcase contemporary and classic collections.